old-fashioned vegetable soup

from Jim Hunt (Chairman)

1 tbsp. olive oil
2 medium-sized carrots, chopped
1 medium-sized yellow onion, chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
2 small red potatoes, diced
1/2 small red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
4 oz. green beans, ends trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 large garlic clove, minced
6 cups vegetable stock
15.5-oz. can navy beans, or other white beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup green peas
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley

• Place the oil, carrots, onion and celery in a 6-quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on high to soften slightly while you assemble the remaining ingredients.
• Add the potatoes, bell pepper, green beans, garlic and stock to the cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
• About 30 minutes before serving, add the beans and peas and season with the salt and pepper. Just before serving, stir in the parsley and taste to adjust the seasoning.

Makes 4 to 6 servings